10.14.2024 | Joshua Radin
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Joshua Radin made his return to Milwaukee at Vivarium Monday October 14, 2024 - his first since 2015 (the one and only mentioned in our Andrew Belle Review). Sounding as good as ever, Radin played to the most intimate audience at a show I’ve attended.
After three years traveling the world and writing music Radin is back in prime form hitting the road in anticipation of his forthcoming album out next February.
He came out swinging with longtime favorite “No Envy, No Fear” right into “Beautiful Day” & “You Got Growing up to Do”. Milwaukee concert goers have a reputation for talking aggressively during shows, especially during the openers, but you could hear a pin drop Monday night - Radin was the true spotlight - to the point he requested fans be turned off. I’ve never seen such a respectful audience - it was quite refreshing!
Radin then launched into alternating between classics and new songs the first being “Let Me Be Right”, a song he described as a “three time loser in love” just wanting to finally find the right person. His latest single “I Believe I’m Falling” was bookended by unreleased tracks “You Don’t Need Anyone” & “I’m Comin’ Home.
The night was capped off by Radin and backing guitar player and Madison native, Gabe Burdulis, hopping off stage to cover Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” in the middle of the “smallest room all tour”.
It truly was a treat having Joshua Radin in Milwaukee again, especially after missing his show in Madison last spring. The new tracks have me looking forward to the new release and hopefully another tour early next year!
10.11.2024 | Dak Dubois
The Cooperage | Milwaukee, WI
Dak Dubois is one the busiest and hard-working musicians in Milwaukee, putting out two EPs and two full length albums in just a year and half. His latest release “TWO” dropped Friday with an accompanying show at The Cooperage that night.
Dak brought the FUNK! The 70’s vibes were flowing through tracks you may recognize via his consistent instagram reels and jams. There was no shortage of jamming with features from each of the musicians scattered throughout the nearly two-hour set.
Aside from featuring musicians, Bro.Malik performed on the album track “Saturday” as well as an alternate. A montage led the way into some surprise freestyle featuring wordsmiths Klassik and Wave Chapelle. Though I’ve seen both artists before, it never ceases to amaze me the talent the Milwaukee hip-hop scene has.
Milwaukee americana band HOSTS opened. Having not heard them before I was pretty impressed and will be looking for some upcoming shows.
Aside from being a talented musician, Dak is just an all around nice dude and is a huge supporter of the Milwaukee music scene himself. Do yourself a favor and give “TWO” a play one of the cool fall days and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for his next live show. In the meantime though, you can give him a follow and catch some frequent jams on Instagram.
Preview | Joshua Radin
10.14.2024 |Vivarium
Photo courtesy Wilspro Music
Fresh off his latest single, “I Believe I’m Falling”, singer-songwriter Joshua Radin is back in Milwaukee playing his most intimate show int the city to date at Vivarium Monday October, 14.
Radin has consistently put out solid albums over the past 20 years after his debut single “Winter” debuted in an episode of the tv show Scrubs well before his first album was release. He’s since released nine LPs and various EPs ad being featured in numerous tv and movie soundtracks.
Though it may be a Monday night concert, this is one I certainly wouldn’t miss. As someone that’s seen Radin at least 10 times over the past two decades I can personally attest to always seeing an incredible performance.
He’s joined by Joan Osborne best known for her song “One of Us”.
09.18.2024 | Andrew Belle
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
I can thank the Pabst Theater group for introducing me to Andrew Belle nearly a decade ago. As an opener for one of my longtime-favorites, Joshua Radin (playing the Vivarium October 14 - you should definitely go) Belle leaned into the new-ish "Black Bear". Though the album was nearing two years old, it was his first Milwaukee concert, and the Hushed version of the album had recently dropped.
Last year marked the 10th anniversary and Belle played acoustic shows in Evanston and Grand Rapids to celebrate. Having so much fun on those stops, two more were added in Minneapolis and Milwaukee, last Wednesday at Vivarium. An 11th anniversary tour if you will.
The first few notes of "Dark Matter" immediately took me back. I'm not sure how often that CD, yes, I know, was on repeat after that show. Despite being a synth heavy album, absolutely nothing was lost with the simplicity of a single acoustic guitar. Belle himself said it was nice to hear how some of these songs were intended rather than over-produced album versions.
Artists like Belle are why I'll continue to see live music. He's a guy that loves being on stage, bantering with the crowd, and above all things playing music. It may be another few years before he's back on the road, but I certainly wouldn't miss it.
Hunter Metts, who I didn't realize at the time had been on American Idol, opened with soulful acoustic tracks as well. His debut EP "Monochrome" was released this summer
08.18.2024 | Trampled By Turtles & The Avett Brothers
Alpine Valley Music Theater | East Troy, WI
After the debacle that was Noah Kahan back in July I was looking forward to an uneventful, enjoyable concert. Beautiful sunny day - check, close parking spot - check, reserved seat - check. All looked good.
The first few notes of “Victory” acted as a bolt of energy waking the smaller crowd, for Alpine Valley at least. As a veteran Trampled By Turtles fan, I appreciated the continued throwback with Duluth’s “Darkness and The Light” following. ‘Codeine’ was the perfect mid-set pick, another classic that would for sure result in some new TBT fans that night - until it wasn’t... The audio spontaneously cut out, leaving the chorus being carried by the crowd. Never skipping a beat, Avett Brothers’ crew brought two mics out to allow one of the few bands that could carry on and still sound incredible given the circumstances.
So as to keep everyone involved, they rolled right into some covers from The Band and Bob Dylan. Just as they tried to roll into fan-favorite “Whiskey” things took another turn… the background visuals failed. “Did it just get worse?” frontman Dave Simonett asked the crowd. It didn’t matter, and as cellist Eamonn McLain snuck down to the pit to lead the crowd with two High-Noons in hand in lieu of the title spirit.
After leaving the stage after just 10 songs, upsetting this fan a bit, some behind the screens scrambling righted all issues. Many thanks to the Avett Brothers for letting them come back out to finish out with some hits among them “Alone”, “Midnight on the Interstate”, and “Wait So Long”.
Despite all the technical difficulties it may be one of the more fun Trampled By Turtles shows I’ve seen. The ability to roll with all the punches and have fun throughout just makes me look forward to the next time they come back to Milwaukee, which as a Midwest band is quite often. Lucky for us!
08.17.2024 | Reyna
Vivarium| Milwaukee, WI
Hot off a packed Aurora pavilion at Summerfest, REYNA stepped into theVivarium in a dual role Saturday night. Of course headlining with their dreamy dance-pop songs of their latest EP Limonada, but also transporting the audience to 2012 and the angsty indie pop of their previous outfit Vic and Gab. It was Vic and Gab opening for Vic and Gab! In lieu of an America’s Got Talent fast wardrobe change between sets Eliza Hanson and longtime friend of the band(s) graced the stage with her soulful folk.
Despite the infamous more-than-background chatter prompting an announcement from the house, it was one of the best concerts I’ve seen at Vivarium to date (and there’s been quite a few). REYNA is truly one of Milwaukee’s most underrated bands right now. If you were lucky enough to score tickets to their Sh*tty Barn performance in October you’re certainly in for a treat.
04.27.2024 | Social Cig
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Social Cig performs at Vivarium with support from
Duwayne & Micah Emrich, Motel Breakfast, and Well + Good.
04.13.2024 | Scam Likely
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Scam Likely held a sold out record release party for their highly anticipated album “Yolk” at Vivarium with support from Minneapolis’ Gramma and Milwaukee’s Clementine.
04.04.2024 | The Thing
The Cooperage | Milwaukee, WI
New York Punk outfit The Thing performs at the Cooperage
with support from locals Diet Lite.
03.16.2024 | Them Coulee Boys
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Them Coulee Boys perform at the Vivarium with support from locals Ladybird
03.15.2024 | Sleepy Gaucho
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee’s own Sleepy Gaucho holds an album release party for “True Love Corridor” with support from Moonglow and Ellie Jackson at the Vivarium.
03.13.2024 | Sir Chloe
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Sir Chloe brought her indie pop to the Vivarium Wednesday night with support from Daffo
03.08.2024 | 4 Seasons Skate Park
4 Seasons Skate Park hosted its final concert in the bowl Saturday night featuring Riot Nine, Garden Home, Awake But Still in Bed, Your Arms Are my Cocoon, Excuse Me Who are You, and Snag.
03.07.2024 | Charlie Parr
Vivarium | Milwaukee, WI
Blues legend Charlie Parr played the Vivarium with Two Runner
